Abel's Career Day Propels Men's XC to Fifth Overall Finish

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - - Cumberland men's cross country put together a strong showing on Saturday, finishing sixth out of 32 teams in the White division at the NAIA Great Lakes Challenge hosted by Aquinas College.

Matteo Abel continued his outstanding sophomore campaign, placing sixth overall in a field of more than 300 runners with a time of 26:07.0 over the 8K course. Abel remained near the front of the pack throughout, finishing as the second-highest Mid-South Conference runner in the race.

Bela Brandl added another strong performance for the Phoenix, running 26:28.0 to take 20th place overall. Ethan Garcia crossed in 26:36.7 for 28th, while Edwin Kigen (27:03.2) and Garrett Tunks (27:21.5) completed the scoring lineup. Freshman Wesley Calderon completed the race in 28:58.00, finishing 135th, while senior Max Berkey contributed valuable depth, finishing 235th with a time of 30:48.60.

Cumberland totaled 161 points, placing fifth overall and finishing second among Mid-South schools behind only Campbellsville.

The Phoenix now look forward to the Mid-South Conference Championships, set for November 7 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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Players Mentioned

Ethan Garcia: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Edwin Kigen: 5' 5"; Sophomore

Matteo Abel: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Bela Brandl: Freshman

Wesley Calderon: Freshman

Garrett Tunks: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Ethan Garcia
: 6' 0"; Sophomore

Edwin Kigen
: 5' 5"; Sophomore

Matteo Abel
: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Bela Brandl
: Freshman

Wesley Calderon
: Freshman

Garrett Tunks
: Freshman